List of non-AZA Accredited Facilities

This list of zoos, aquaria, and centers not accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) was researched and is indexed state-by-state. This list is presented to the zoo and aquarium industry in the spirit of professional fellowship. Graduate and undergraduate students in related areas of study may also find this list helpful.

All versions of this list completed under the direction of Dr. Richard Snider by undergraduate students majoring in Zoology with a concentration in Zoo & Aquarium Science:

The Lion Habitat is found at the University of North Alabama to celebrate the university’s mascot: a lion. There are two lions in the habitat, and it has been a tradition for 40 years to have a live lion mascot at the school.

Limestone Zoological Park & Wildlife Refuge

30193 Nick Davis Road

Harvest, AL 35749

(256) 230-0330

The Park was established as a refuge for abandoned, retired or abused animals and focuses on educating the public about endangered species and wildlife preservation.

The Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation facility for abandoned or injured native wildlife. They house animals who cannot be released and use these permanent residents to educate the public about wildlife.

Located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Large Animal Research Station conducts research on a colony of muskoxen. The research revolves around diet, physiology, and behavior. The station is also open to visitors and school groups.

Boasting the largest indoor butterfly pavilion in the United States, Butterfly Wonderland is home to thousands of butterflies. These butterflies come from all over the world, and there are also reptiles and amphibians to accompany them.

Keepers of the Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of abused, neglected, abandoned and retired captive wildlife. To provide the best standard of care and help enforce the humane treatment of all animals.

They strive to provide a quality exhibition of native plant and animal species that will foster the understanding, appreciation, knowledge, and respect of plants and animals that inhabit the Navajo Nation and the Southwest.

Formerly named Moonridge Animal Park, the goal of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is to rehabilitate native species and return them to the wild. However, for those that cannot be returned, the Zoo provides a permanent home in their natural habitat.

Have Trunk Will Travel is a privately funded group with the mission of giving people an educational and recreational experience with elephants. The group travels to give educational shows, rides, as well as to attend special events in order to expose the public to elephants.

The Wildlife Museum is home to some native California species which could not be released back into the wild and also rehabilitates and releases wildlife. Their goal is to promote conservation through educating the public.

Ocean World began as an aquarium built inside of a barge, with a window under the surface of the water to view the ocean ecosystems. Now, Ocean World is a tour-lead experience through the aquarium for a more intimate learning and entertainment experience.

The Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium is a non-profit organization committed to fostering and promoting the public study of, and interest in, the oceans, tidelands, and beaches of Southern California, the marine life therein, and the impact of human population on that environment.

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory is dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats through science and outreach. The observatory has helped produce 29 years of scientific information on local bird populations.

The Center rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals with the vision of promoting marine habitat health and conservation. The Marine Mammal Center also seconds as a veterinary research hospital and education center.

The mission of the Ocean Institute is to inspire all generations, through education, to become responsible stewards of our oceans. They strive to be the world's best experiential ocean educational organization.

Their missions: to educate the public through tours and programs about the importance or wolves, coyote, and fox to the ecosystem; educate the public about the importance of preservation and conservation of the forests, land, and water that supports wildlife, flora and fauna for future generations to apply; provide natural habitats and exceptional lives for the animals entrusted to their care since they cannot live in the wild.

Mission: Wolf is devoted to spreading the message of sustainability and recycling, as well as spreading awareness of the importance of wolves in ecosystems. It is a remote sanctuary in the mountains of Colorado.

The Trust is a permanent home for hundreds of native and exotic waterfowl, many of which are endangered. The birds live in a natural environment and many that were born on the sanctuary and released come back to visit.

The Nature Center is a combination of a wildlife sanctuary, natural history museum, and educational facility highlighting the habitats of southeastern Connecticut. Their mission is to inspire and nurture appreciation and scientific understanding of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic.

Back to Nature is a wildlife rescue which treats endangered, injured or orphaned animals with the goal of introducing them back into the wild. They are also home to several animals which could not be released due to their injuries.

The Big Cat Rescue is home to exotic and native big cat species that were rescued from inhospitable conditions in people’s homes or road side zoos. They are also home to many retirees. They work to educate the public about the dangers to both people and the cats about owning these animals in an effort to stop the abuse.

The Center is home to Bottlenose Dolphins and California Sea Lions, many of which were born at the Center or in other facilities. The purpose of the center is to educate the public about the two species. They are also a rescue facility for marine mammals in the local area.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation is a small non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through captive breeding, scientific research, education, and reintroduction.

Natural Encounters, Inc. is a team of animal trainers that travel and train others on how to properly handle and train animals. They also teach others about enrichment, education program structure, and exhibit design.

The Sarasota Jungle Gardens are home to tropical species, many of which were donated by rescues or pet owners. Through shows, exhibits and hands-on interactions, the gardens educate the public about conservation.

ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park is a non-profit educational facility that houses over 260 exotic and endangered species; people will get the opportunity to view animals closely in their natural setting.

The Bo Ginn National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium contributes aquatic resources to partners in need. The center also gives refuge to aquatic species that fall under the categories of endangered or threatened.

The Cochran Mill Nature Center is a private, non-profit, environmental education facility and is home to a large collection of non-releasable reptiles and birds of prey. The Center encourages community awareness and active environmental stewardship through education and wildlife rehabilitation programs.

In the wake of a devastating Georgia flood in 1994, the Flint RiverQuarium was created to monitor the environmental conditions within the Flint River Basin. The Flint RiverQuarium also educates the public on the importance of conserving our natural resources.

Project Chimps is a 236-acre refuge for chimpanzees used for biomedical research. They fundraise in order to feed and enrich the chimpanzees within their care. Project Chimps is not open to the public but does offer educational tours through their facility for those who are interested.

UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium offers off shore to in shore areas, exploring exhibits displaying marine animals typical of the habitats found along the Georgia coast. Fifteen (soon to be sixteen) exhibit tanks house live animals that represent numerous species of fish, turtles, and invertebrates.

The mission of the Honolulu Zoo is to inspire stewardship of our living world by providing meaningful experiences to their guests. The Zoo emphasizes Pacific tropical island ecosystems and our traditional values of malama (caring) and ho`okipa (hospitality).

From the smallest coral polyp to the seven-foot sandbar shark, the intricate wonders of Hawai'i's ocean are showcased in over 60 indoor and outdoor exhibits at Maui Ocean Center. Each exhibit features marine animals living in habitats closely resembling their own natural environment.

The Aquarium of Boise's main focus is to educate the public to fuel the inspiration to care for all terrestrial and aquatic animals. They also strive to be a leader in the “conservation and repopulation of endangered species.”

The Wolf Education & Research Center focuses on research revolving around the gray wolf and how the species exists in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The Center also provides education on the wolves to the visiting public; focusing on their ecological importance and the relationship between the wolves and humans.

Zoo Idaho will develop, improve, manage, and maintain facilities and programs to increase the public's knowledge of and appreciation for native North American Wildlife. The zoo is dedicated to educating and motivating the public to become active stewards of the environment through their support of habitat preservation and wildlife conservation worldwide.

Brown’s Oakridge Zoo is a family owned and operated non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of animals, and the educational and therapeutic benefits they can bring to humans.

Hickory Shadows Zoo

9370 East Radius Rd

Mt. Vernon, IL

(618) 224-4324

Hickory Shadows Zoo is a non-profit organization that provides animal rescue and public education pertaining to wildlife and exotic animals. The goal of the organization is to provide the rehabilitation and rescue of animals.

Located 35 miles north of Chicago, the Wildlife Discovery Center is a public, free admission zoo. It sits on the 1,500 acre Middlefork Savannah, which is the highest quality oak savannah in the nation.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center is a rehabilitation center and is also home to many native animals which could not be released back into the wild. The facility educates the public about these native species through exhibits, demonstrations, and interaction.

The Black Pine Animal Park is a non-profit “last-chance” home for exotic animals who were rescued from abusive situations. The facility educates the public about pet ownership, exotic and endangered species.

Columbian Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Indiana dating back to 1908. It is home to over 190 animals representing nearly 90 different species. The Zoo offers a variety of education programs throughout the year, inspiring an appreciation for the world's wildlife.

The Exotic Feline Rescue Center provides a permanent home to exotic cats who have been abused, abandoned, or cannot be released back into the wild. The Center also educates the public about these cats.

Wolf Park is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to behavioral research, education and conservation, with the objective of improving the public's understanding of wolves and the value they provide to our environment.

The Iowa State Insect Zoo strives to educate the public about insects. They offer programs for school and non-school groups that incorporates a hands-on learning experience with insects and other arthropods.

Their mission is to promote the health and general welfare of the people and to encourage preservation, conservation, education, and recreation through responsible use and appreciation of our natural resources and cultural heritage.

Storybook Hill Children’s Zoo was established in 1976 in partnership with the Optimists Clubs of Dubuque, as an effort to increase the knowledge and understanding of common animals among the people of Dubuque. The Zoo is a replica of an American farm from the 1940’s and contains a wide variety of animals that a person visiting this time period might see on an actual farm.

The Brit Spaugh Zoo is dedicated to the conservation, preservation and rescue of animals, and the education and entertainment of children and adults. The Zoo includes over 100 species of animals, a raptor center, and an aquarium.

Cedar Cove Feline Conservancy & Education Center is a non-profit center whose mission is to educate the public about the importance of conserving big cat species. Education also revolves around the behavior, physiology, and habitats of these species.

The Kansas Fishes Aquarium in the Central Mall is a unique and educational attraction representative of a living and dynamic Kansas fish community. The largest freestanding tank display in the state, the aquarium features a wide variety of mid-western fishes in a naturalistic setting. The simulated mud bank backdrop and trees from area rivers recreate a typical Kansas water habitat.

The Prairie Park Nature Center promotes the importance of conservation through a hands-on environmental experience with the animal ambassadors they house. They also stress the idea of the importance of leaving the wild in the wild, and not taking wild animals as pets. The Center is free to all visitors.

The mission of the Safari Zoological Park is to show the awesomeness of our God in the individual wonder and uniqueness of all His creation. That He has revealed to us through nature and creation that we are more than an evolved matter over millions of years, but made fearfully and wonderfully in His image, with an eternal soul. That through the will of free choice man brought sin into the world, but by the love of God, he redeemed man back to himself through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

At the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, the animals are very diverse. Exhibit animals range from an 18-foot reticulated python, the largest resident, to many types of venomous snakes such as cobras, vipers, and rattlesnakes, to an alligator. One of the favorite areas for kids is Turtle Tracks, where both tortoises and aquatic turtles can be seen.

Gators and Friends Alligator Park & Exotic Zoo was created to increase awareness among the public of different types of animals, their habitat, lifestyle, and survival techniques. The mission of the zoo is to present an educational and interactive animal adventure like no other. Education is the key to preserving these animals for future generations to enjoy.

The Acadia Zoological Park - Kisma Preserve organization firmly believes that knowledge is strength. By caring deeply and giving a home to these unique animals they open a door to understanding a species. When someone looks through that door and begins to care about a species the next logical step is the habitat and the ecosystem and ultimately our world. The Kisma Preserve cares for each creature as an individual and hopes, perhaps idealistically, that will inspire others to care on some level as well.

DEW Haven is home to over 200 animals rescued or surrendered to the organization. The animals are ambassadors to the public to educate about the importance of preserving species. The DEW Haven offers tours to get an up-close experience with the exotic species.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Community programs are uniquely situated at the intersection of marine science and industry. At the heart of their mission, the programs provide a specialized, innovative, and responsive array of work that speaks to the challenges and opportunities in the Gulf of Maine.

The Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 50 offshore islands and four coastal parcels. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the refuge complex as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Maine Coastal Islands Refuge is restoring and managing colonies of nesting seabirds. In addition to seabirds, wading birds and bald eagles nest on refuge islands. The mainland divisions provide habitat for songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl, as well as opportunities for bird watching and hiking.

The Maine State Aquarium exhibits a variety of sportfish that are of major interest to anglers. At center stage is an 850-gallon tank that is filled with sharks and skates. Experience the thrill of petting a live shark and discover the roughness of a skate's skin.

The Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge protects the second-largest peatland in Maine and consists of a wide variety of different wetland environments. These habitats are home to plants, birds, mollusks, and invertebrates that are listed as endangered.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 25,000 acres on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore. As a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway, Blackwater is a vital haven for waterfowl, as well as a sanctuary for the American bald eagle, the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel, and the peregrine falcon.

The Calvert Marine Museum provides an educational experience revolving around Maryland marine wildlife. They are dedicated to the presentation of their three themes: regional paleontology, estuarine life of the tidal Patuxent River and adjacent the Chesapeake Bay, and maritime history of these waters.

The Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is the wintering ground for Canada geese and closes during their migration period in order to preserve their movements. It is also home to hiking trails, tours, and a visiting center to educate on preserved and live animals.

The Tri-State Zoological Park offers over 30 species of exotics. It’s one of their greatest passions to encourage young minds’ curiosity about animals and conservation. The Zoological Park is unique in that they want all of their guests to experience our animals up-close and personal.

Locally-collected specimens (released back into the wild at the end of the season) are on exhibit. Displays are always changing and include anything from seahorses to octopuses to sharks. Touch tank, home to crabs, clams, baby horseshoe crabs, and more let people experience the ecosystem.

The National Marine Life Center is an independent, non-profit marine animal hospital, science, and education center. The National Marine Life Center is dedicated to rehabilitating for release stranded sea turtles, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and small whales, and to advancing scientific knowledge and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.

The Zoo in Forest Park is a nonprofit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, a 735-acre woodland park in Springfield, the Zoo features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. The Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education and offers a variety of educational programs and special events for children and adults.

The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is home to nature trails and a “green” nature center devoted to conserving energy. The Sanctuary holds aquariums containing local plants and animals from different types of ecosystems.

As the oldest aquarium in the country, the Belle Isle Aquarium serves as a historical aquarium attraction to Detroit. Reopened in 2012, the aquarium continues to restore exhibits while preserving the history of the establishment.

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Gardens is a reptile rescue zoo, a place where all reptile and amphibians find a safe haven and proper care needed to live out their lives safely and securely. The goal of the sanctuary is to create a hands-on and up-close opportunity for people to observe the animals in a semi-natural environment.

The Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is home to both butterflies and tropical bird species. These animals represent 500 species from five different continents.

The Wild Wonders Wildlife Park at the Howell Conference & Nature Center was born from our mission to help injured and orphaned wildlife and to educate the public to become better stewards of our natural world. The Park provides a permanent home for birds and mammals that cannot be returned to the wild due to an injury or being too tame.

Bat Zone at the Organization for Conservation is a haven for rehabilitated bats and other nocturnal animals, as well as those born in captivity. Bat Zone is devoted to educating the public about these creatures.

The Pine Grove Park & Zoo promotes environmental education and conservation while creating a progressive zoological park in central Minnesota. They wish to have families and individuals live their lives with passionate respect for the entire realm of the natural world.

The Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Zoo has one of the world’s largest reptile displays and is an opportunity for a fun family adventure. The zoo is home to over 150 kinds of animals from all over the world exhibited in naturalistic recreations of their native environments.

The mission of Safari North Wildlife Park is to promote conservation and preservation through safe, affordable, and memorable experiences with a quality recreational and educational environment dedicated to wildlife care and conservation.

Many animals make their home at Springbrook Nature Center. Most live in the forest, prairie, savannah, and wetlands of the park. A few enjoy an easy, dependent (on humans) life style in the exhibits of the Interpretive Center. Human visitors are welcome to visit and appreciate both groups of our animals.

The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary promotes education surrounding black bears, so that we may better understand them. This understanding will lead to a larger appreciation and tolerance of this predator species.

The Tupelo Buffalo Park &Zoo features a variety of exotic animals from around the world, an interactive petting zoo, and multiple attractions that allow the people to get up close and personal with wild animals.

The purpose of the Endangered Wolf Center is to educate the public on the world’s endangered wolf species by providing an engaging experience. They also thrive to spread awareness through social media to reach a larger audience.

Lakeside Nature Center is located within Swope Park which also surrounds the Kansas City Zoo. Lakeside Nature Center provides educational and recreational activities focusing on environmental awareness and conservation of native plants and animals and their habitats.

More than a thousand live tropical butterflies fly freely in the glass conservatory at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House & Education Center. Watch a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis right before your eyes. Or go outside and visit native and migrating species in the Butterfly Garden.

The mission of Wonders of Life is to educate, inform, and entertain visitors concerning the value of fish and wildlife; to help them appreciate our heritage of hunting; and fishing and to motivate their personal involvement in the conservation of our outdoor resources.

The mission of World Bird Sanctuary is to preserve the earth s biological diversity and to secure the future of threatened bird species in their natural environments. They work to fulfill this mission through education, propagation, field studies, and rehabilitation.

The Beartooth Nature Center is devoted to providing a home to animals that can no longer be released back into the wild. These animals have become ambassadors to educate the public on the importance of conserving Montana’s wildlife.

The Montana Grizzly Encounter is home to grizzly bears that have been rescued from poor captive environments and cannot be released back into the wild. The Institution’s mission is to educate the public on the importance of the conservation of bears in their natural habitats.

The Raptors of the Rockies Institution is devoted to providing a safe home for injured raptor species, to educate through the use of live birds, and to promote conservation of these species and their habitats.

The mission of ZooMontana is to create for their visitors an enjoyable, recreational and educational experience while providing quality care for the animal and plant collections and appropriate propagation programs for species that are needed.

The McRoberts Game Farm’s main focus is the continuation of exotic breeding that was started by their founder, Jerry McRoberts. They want to maintain his legacy, as well as continue to share their animals with the public.

Pioneers Park Nature Center interprets the natural history of Nebraska and the central great plains; promotes the enjoyment, appreciation, and awareness of our natural environment; practices and fosters a conservation ethic; and provides a sanctuary for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for people.

It is Animal Ark's belief that wild animals belong in the wild and for those animals that are not capable of surviving in the wild on their own, they have the power to represent their wild cousins and educate people about the importance environmental stewardship.

The Bonnie Springs Ranch Petting Zoo offers families an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with native & exotic animals. The petting zoo on the property of Bonnie Springs Ranch is now non-profit.

Located in a solar-powered, “green” facility, Safe Haven is a wildlife refuge for animals that can no longer be released into the wild. They also provide educational and outreach programs to the public. “Safe Haven primarily receives placement requests from local, state and federal agencies, law enforcement services, veterinarians and citizens.”

The SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium is home to many different species from numerous ecosystems around the world. SeaQuest is devoted to educating the public in a family-friendly way in order for the public to gain appreciation and knowledge of these animal species.

The mission their facility is "to educate visitors about the importance of the estuarine and oceanic ecosystems of the New Hampshire coast, while providing a unique opportunity to view and touch sea animals that they may never otherwise encounter.”

The Seacoast Science Center offers educational programs, exhibits, interpretation, as well as participates in marine mammal rescue to inform visitors on the importance of having healthy ocean ecosystems. Seacoast Science Center works as a responder to stranded marine mammals using a hotline.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is dedicated to responding to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey’s waterways and to the rehabilitation of these animals for release back into the wild.

Popcorn Park Zoo was established in 1977 for the sole purpose of providing a refuge for wildlife that were sick, elderly, abandoned, abused, or injured, and which could no longer survive in its natural habitat. As time went on, we expanded to include exotic and domestic animals.

Six Flags Great Adventure has a new attraction in which guests can go on a safari ride and see some of the 1,200 animals that the park holds. The ride give guests a close-up experience to some of the world’s most exotic animals.

The Alameda Park Zoo provides an aesthetically pleasing naturalistic environment, which promotes education in the environmental fields of study, conservation of local and global environments, recreation, and biological research.

The New Mexico BioPark Society is dedicated to the development of, procurement for and capital improvement of the ABQ BioPark (Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach) and to providing a quality facility through the support of related conservation, education and recreation programs.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is a rescue center for displaced or un-releasable wolves from other captive institutions. The rescued wolves are able to help the sanctuary educate the public on the importance of wolves in their ecosystems.

The Animal Adventure Park provides a very interactive zoo experience, offering the ability to hand feed a number of exotic species. These experiences are used to educate the public about the species in the zoo.

Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is the fifth oldest zoological institution in the country and has evolved into a naturalistic environment. The Zoo is dedicated to educating its visitors about conservation, and it holds over 100 species.

The mission of Tiger World is to provide a stimulating learning environment for generations to come. To promote awareness about the Endangered and Threatened Species of the world. Also, to maintain a safe secure preservation area for the public and for endangered and threatened wildlife.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium strives to bring attention to aquatic life and conservation through their exhibits. They focus on both freshwater and marine ecosystems in a hands-on way in order to educate guests on how their actions can affect aquatic environments.

Besides containing a waterpark, Kalahari Resort offers a recreational and educational experience with a number of exotic animal species. A junior keeper program is also offered to reach younger audiences in a more hands-on and interactive way.

The Butterfly House offers over 1,000 butterflies from North and South America, as well as Asia. Their goal is to educate visitors on the butterfly’s biological characteristics, as well as how to create a healthy environment for them at their own home.

Lost Creek Safari offers a personalized experience with the exotic species within the zoo. Reservations can be made for a guided tour with staff, and visitors are able to learn about each one of the animals within their care.

Oakhill Center is a Related Organizational member of the American Association of Zoos & Aquariums. They are a non-profit conservation center dedicated to the long term conservation of rare & endangered species through propagation and education.

Peek-A-Boo Petting ZOo offers an up-close experience with the animals in their care. Visitors are able to handle and feed the animals, and a number of events can be held at the zoo for a personalized experience.

Safari Joe’s Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary offers rehabilitation to rescued species of exotic animals. They take in abused and neglected animals in hopes of caring for them, as well as spreading awareness surrounding the species.

Through wildlife rehabilitation and public education, the Cascades Raptor Center fosters a connection between people and birds of prey. Our goal is to help the human part of the natural community learn to value, understand, and honor the role of wildlife in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

The Seaside Aquarium is privately owned and descendants of some of the founders are still active in the aquarium operation. The Aquarium is proud to be involved in public awareness programs: Marine Mammal Stranding; Seaside Beach Advisory Program; Sea Week; Haystack Rock Awareness Program; the Wildlife Center of the North Coast and other marine education tours and activities for school children.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is home to exotic, free-roaming animals that can be seen from a safari bus. They also offer an interactive experience where guests can get up-close and personal with animals, as well as a chance to learn about baby animals from staff around the park.

The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania provides a naturalistic captive setting for over 40 wolves and works to raise awareness about wolves and their native habitat. The sanctuary provides a naturalistic captive setting for over 40 wolves and works to raise awareness about wolves and their native habitat.

Woodland Zoo

3400 National Pike

Farmington, PA 15437

(724) 329-8664

The Woodland Zoo is home to exotic and native species and provides many interactive experiences to its guests.

The Audubon Environmental Education Center provides educational events and programs with the goal of connecting visitors to the environment. The Environmental Education Center provides a look into Rhode Island’s natural history while also providing marine education by means of tanks and a tide pool.

Butterfly Zoo is a living butterfly zoo, a gallery of magnificent swallowtail butterfly specimens. Learn how to mount a specimen, or learn how to plant a butterfly garden to attract these flying flowers to your yard.

Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium protects, restores and improves the ecological health of the Narragansett Bay region, including its watershed and adjacent coastal waters, through an ecosystem-based approach to environmental action.

The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor strives to educate its visitors on marine species through live exhibits, as well as through changing exhibits focused on research and sustainable use of coastal region resources.

The Austin Aquarium offers guests a chance at a face-to-face experience with multiple species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds throughout their 35 exhibits. There is also a sting-ray touch tank that offers people of all ages a chance to interact with marine species.

Gator Country is home to alligators that have been removed from a nuisance situation, as well as those rescued after hurricanes and other severe weather events. There are also other species of reptiles available for public viewing.

The Marine Science Institute is a marine research facility that aims to provide research and education for their students regarding marine life, as well as outreach to the public. The University has many marine research facilities, including a fisheries and mariculture lab.

Offering families the ability to learn about species from around the world, the San Antonio Aquarium is a highly interactive and immersive aquarium experience. Visitors are able to touch and feed many of the species within the aquarium.

Located on the Kemah Boardwalk, Stingray Reef gives guests the opportunity to feed and interact with stingrays. There are also rainforest-themed exhibits housing piranhas, snakes, tarantulas, and more.

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to over 40 big cats who have been rescued from poor conditions. Their mission is to educate the public on big cat conservation, as well as to form an outreach program to wild big cats.

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari is a drive thru zoo that gives visitors the ability to feed most of the animals from their vehicles. There are more than 50 species of wildlife at Topsey Exotic Ranch.

Bluebird Gap Farm offers an exciting, family-oriented adventure and educational experience rarely seen in an urban environment. The 60-acre farm has around 150 domestic and wild animals. They have the usual farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens. They are also home to birds of prey, whitetail deer, llamas, alpacas, tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, and waterfowl.

The Virginia Safari Park felt there was a need and desire for people to be able to see wild animals in a much more natural environment than had previously been available. The Park is dedicated to helping guests appreciate their animals in the beautiful and natural setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley.

The Poulsbo Marine Science Center is still in the process of building exhibits and collecting animals to put on permanent display. They aim to educate the public about the surrounding marine ecosystems.

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility displaying native and introduced state wildlife. Operated by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the Wildlife Center is dedicated to presenting visitors a realistic and factual understanding of our state's wildlife.

The mission of the Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary is to provide a sanctuary and place of rehabilitation for animals who have previously been used in laboratory research. Dogs and cats are rehabilitated in a home-like environment. Cats and dogs at The Kindness Ranch live together with their human caretakers in spacious yurts specially designed to meet their needs. They receive round-the-clock care to help them adjust to their new lives

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